little rascals, the boys,--they have stolen our stones to build a wharf
with!"

The masons immediately went to examine the new structure. And to say
the truth, it was well worth looking at, so neatly and with such
admirable skill had it been planned and finished. The stones were put
together so securely that there was no danger of their being loosened by
the tide, however swiftly it might sweep along. There was a broad and
safe platform to stand upon, whence the little fishermen might cast
their lines into deep water and draw up fish in abundance. Indeed, it
almost seemed as if Ben and his comrades might be forgiven for taking
the stones, because they had done their job in such a workmanlike
manner.

"The chaps that built this wharf understood their business pretty well,"
said one of the masons. "I should not be ashamed of such a piece of
work myself."

But the master mason did not seem to enjoy the joke. He was one of
those unreasonable people who care a great deal more for their own
rights and privileges than for the convenience of all the rest of the
world.

"Sam," said he, more gruffly than usual, "go call a constable."

So Sam called a constable, and inquiries were set on foot to discover
the perpetrators of the theft. In the course of the day warrants were
issued, with the signature of a justice of the peace, to take the bodies
of Benamin Franklin and other evil-disposed persons who had stolen a
heap of stones. If the owner of the stolen property had not been more